Tuesdays With Tag - I've Been Assaulted...

Hi, Everybody!

I'm sure you can see I'm not my usual perky self. There's a definite reason.

Mom asked me if I wanted to go for a ride yesterday. Well, what dog doesn't love a truck ride? I jumped at the offer to head out with Mom - and no Labradors. We turned east from the farm, and I was filled with a great sense of adventure.

Slam on the breaks. What cruel deception is this? When we got out of the truck I knew where we were. The vet's office!!! Wait just a doggone minute! Mom chirped somethin' mundane at me, snapped on my lead, and walked me inside. (I did get to take a flash whiz on the pillar right outside the door on my way in, though. Take that!)

It was time for my annual checkup, which means I got my toenails chopped and shots were administered. I like the people there well enough, but how come we never go there just to get a treat or say "hi"? Why is it only when I get poked and prodded? Yuck!

After they were done insultin' me, Mom took me out to the truck so she could go back in and pay for the damages. When she came back to the truck, she told me I really missed somethin' fun. Right after my appointment, the vet was seein' another Corgi!!!! It was a little girl named "Bumblebee". Isn't that sweet? Mom said she reminded her of Ceri, who lived with us for a while and then went to live with Aunt Di. I wish I'd seen Bumblebee. I bet we would have really hit it off! (It certainly would have made for a happier trip to the vet for me.)

As it was, we drove home and soon after it was dinner time. Dad said the shots must have made me dozy because every time I stopped walkin', I just dropped to the sleepin' position. I couldn't help myself. I followed Mom to the studio, and when she didn't see me underfoot, she found me under her sewin' machine on my bed. I ended up callin' it a night early, and should be myself again by mornin'.

Before I close, I'd like to take a moment to express my condolences to Queen Elizabeth II's Corgis. We're all mournin' her passin', and know that now, she'll be reunited with all those great pets who passed before. I'd like to show my respect by sharin' a few Corgi tributes to Her Majesty. 

 

Rest In Peace.

From Your Faithful Servant,

Tag

Friday Cardinal Update...

Well, this is how Mr. Dapper Cardinal looked when I finally put down my needles on Thursday evening. I've completed his body, and will now focus on his wing detail, and then his tail feathers. 

The grey on the wing will be the "under" feathering. I have more to do in that section, and then I'll do the fine shaping and shading with the other colors I've chosen for the flight feathers. Of course, if I get it stitched and don't like how it's looking, I can always frog those and try again. 

The felt on the wing wasn't meant to cover the entire wing, but to lift it up in the area where I've anchored it. I may decide to take out the grey, add more padding in that segment, and then do the cover stitching. I'm going to review that and make a decision after breakfast. 

I watched the breaking news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II as it was announced. A great sadness filled my heart as I stitched. The longest reign by a British monarch has come to an end. England is the land of my birth, and I was saddened by her passing. I'm sure there will be much coverage in the coming days, as Her Royal Highness is laid to rest, and then her son is crowned. 

I'm not as happy about that prospect as I would have been if it were Prince William, rather than his father ascending to the throne. I know I'm not the only family member who feels that way. Even so, it's what Queen Elizabeth wanted, and it's been decided. I'll pray for my homeland as they make this transition.

I'm also baking scones today. Tomorrow is Craft Day in Portage, and we're having a tea party afterward. I promised to bring scones to contribute to the party. I'm even going to wear a dress and one of my fun hats! Photos on Monday should be really fun. I can't wait to share them with you.

Saturday will be a cardinal update, and then Sunday Scripture. I'll be back Monday with the fun party and crafty photos for you.

Happy Weekend!

(already)

A Day Of Rest...

QE II China Tea Mug

I spent yesterday resting and enjoying being back at the farm. I filled my Queen Elizabeth II tea mug with my favorite British tea (PG Tips), my Walker's Shortbread biscuits, and did a little stitching on my butterfly wings.

Relaxing With The Pups

Tag and Bella are happy to have me back home, and are staying close. Handsome has a cold, so I'm glad I'm back home to take care of him.

Liljegren's Hickory Hill Farm Produce

The garden was busy while I was gone. It's amazing how plants react to rain water over well water. My "Celebrity" and "Roma" tomatoes are just beginning to ripen, but my cherry tomato plants are yielding beautiful, sweet, little gems.

I picked a bowlful of tomatoes and a handful of basil leaves, and brought them inside. After rinsing, I cut the tomatoes in half, chopped the basil, added cut up Bellagiosa bite-sized, fresh mozzarella cheese (from Sheboygan, WI), and mixed everything together with olive oil and a bit of salt. It was our side dish with the roast beef and veggies I made for dinner.

I'll continue to work on my butterfly wings, but I have a commission to make, as well. Time to get back to the studio!

Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Exhibit...

There is a new exhibit at Buckingham Palace featuring the garments and gems

worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953. The exhibit will be open

from July 27 until September 29, 2013. This will be a stunning display!

Embroiderers from the Royal School of Needlework expended over 3500 hours

creating the robe which the Queen wore to travel from the Westminster Abbey to

Buckingham Palace. The pictures of the gown take my breath away. I can only

imagine how much more stunning it must be when seen in the same room.

In addition to all the embroidered pieces, the exhibit will include the Diamond Diadem
(the name of the crown), which was previously worn by King George IV for his 1821
coronation. There are other gems on display, including some as large as pigeon's eggs!

If you'd like to read an entire article about the exhibit, you can click here. I'll have
to imagine how beautiful everything will be. I so wish I could be there in person.

More "Extended" Birthday Wishes...

Web Image

Handsome, Tag and I had such a wonderful, busy weekend that we nearly forgot 

to send special Birthday wishes to a very special person! Yesterday, I attended

Handsome's Suncoast Concert Band concert in Sarasota. The theme was music of

the English countryside with so many beautiful pieces of music to enjoy. There was 

even a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace" to honor the people of the City of Boston.

Before the concert began, our conductor, Bob Stoll announced that the theme 

was especially appropriate since Sunday was Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday! 

What? April 21st? We had no idea!!

Each concert begins with the Canadian National Anthem, followed by Britain's 

National Anthem, and then our own Star-Spangled Banner. I enjoy singing all three 

anthems, but it was extra special to sing "God Save The Queen" for her Birthday.

I'd like to invite you to join in an "extended" celebration for Queen Elizabeth II.

Of course, she's much to busy to attend the party on short notice, but I don't think

she'll mind if we carry on without her. Perhaps you'll choose to enjoy an afternoon

cup of tea with a shortbread cookie or a little Devonshire cream? (my favorite!)

Failing in that, let's just celebrate with cake.

Yes. I think cake would be lovely, thank you.

Cake from Sodahead.com

Happy Birthday, Your Majesty.

Web Image

I believe there shall be celebrating across the land. 

God Save The Queen 

Tag will be here tomorrow. 

(He picked the image of the Queen for today and wants a crown like the royal corgis wear.)

Let The Games Begin...

AP Image

Like many people all around the world, Handsome and I spent the evening watching the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. I thought it was the most incredible ceremony I have ever witnessed for any Olympics.

I started weeping when the children's choir sang "Jerusalem" and pride in my British birthplace continued to swell with each passing moment. (I admit I didn't much care for the "kids-jumping-on-hospital-beds segment. I guess I didn't get it.)

I was entranced through the pastoral segments and sat open-mouthed trying to take in as much as I could through the "Industrial Revolution" section. I gasped out loud when the rings began moving into position and whooped when they formed the Olympic emblem.

BBC Image

Then, watching all of the different countries entering Olympic Stadium and seeing the pride on the faces of all of the athletes moved me as it does every four years. I thought it was neat that a young person walked with each delegation, carrying a copper bowl that was a gift to their country from the British people. Little did I know the stunning use to which each bowl would be employed.

AP Image

I love Queen Elizabeth II, but I found myself worrying about how exhausted she must be with all this celebrating...to say nothing of her jumping out of a helicopter to start the games! (I'm kidding. I know it wasn't really her!) Nevertheless, I did think she was a good sport with a wicked sense of humor to agree to such a stunt.

My only disappointment was that Sir Paul McCartney didn't stop his performance when he finished singing "And In The End...". My own humble opinion, but I thought singing "Hey, Jude" after all the colossal fireworks display was a let down. It was really my only complaint. (Sorry.)

At a time when politics and conflict are set aside, I found myself caught up in the excitement of the Games. And last night, I found myself more British than American. The Olympics are going to be fun to watch - and the British people are making for perfect hosts. Let the games begin!!

Just a quick reminder that Memory Lane Monday is coming in a couple of days! July 30th will be my next segment. Remember, that you're always welcome to join in the fun by posting your own favorite recollection on your blog and then linking back to mine. I'm working on my episode now, so I hope you'll come back to read all about it.

Have a great weekend!

Surprises From Mum...

 ...and Dad Burt, too!

They sent me a box of souvenirs from their trip to England and France!

 Mum always knows just what I love.

Of course, there was a Diamond Jubilee commemorative publication...

and a Queen Elizabeth II dvd (narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier!).

I had mentioned to Mum that I'd seen an article about this 

line of British face cream that I thought she might like,

and I was tickled that there was a jar for me in the package!

I hope it helps me achieve that British "peaches and cream" complexion.

 Handsome collects (and wears) baseball caps, so there was this

really great (and soft!) cap from their trip to Paris.

 I specifically requested a Jubilee tin to go with another old one

that I have had for years. (I'll show you that another time.)

Mum found this one that came with English breakfast tea.

 The top and sides are also decorated with additional images and words.

It's perfect - just what I wanted - and I love it!

 But, the biggest surprise was a corgi pillow!!!!!

Squeeeee!!!!

I did a happy dance when I saw this beautiful pillow, and now

Taggart will have proof of his royal roots!

Thank you, Mum and Dad Burt.

What generous gifts - and wonderful surprises.

I know (Shell)...S.P.O.I.L.E.D...again

My Newest Completed iPad Case...

A padded, safe spot for my iPad to sleep.

 Yes. I finished my iPad case yesterday!

The front with the flap open, showing the velcro closure.

 To honor my British birthplace and Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee...

The back, featuring Lillalotta's "Keep Calm" wide twill ribbon.

 I chose a Union Jack and "streets of London" theme.

Nice, soft and coordinated inside.

I lined my case with soft blue flannel.

Of course, I had to add a strip of fabrics mirroring the exterior of the case...

and my Brynwood label.

One folded "Keep Calm" label will hold my stylus. I'm using my Union Jack pencil for the photo.

 It's the perfect size for my first generation iPad.

I'm also finishing a second one better sized to the second generation iPad.

That one will be available for sale soon.

(If you're interested in one, please email me for more information.)

Now that I have this project finished, I'm on to one of my UFOs.

More on that tomorrow.

Tuesdays With Tag - Traveling Corgi...

 It's me again. Tag!

This week I'm writing to you from sunny Meadville, Pennsylvania.

We're here so Dad can make some beautiful music at Allegheny College.

I'm having a blast at the campground where I get to meet lots of new dogs and people.

You'd be surprised at just how many people say, "He's so cute!" to me every day.
It could really go to a guy's head, I'm tellin' ya!

I'm posing next to the welcome sign for our campground camper area,

and yup -

That's the Flying Cloud behind me.

Usually, our awning is out and the American flag proudly hangs outside our door. 

We also have a patriotic bunting that hangs off the bumper, too.

Mom and Dad are proud to wave the flag when we travel.

Because of Queen Elizabeth II's recent 60th Jubilee Celebration,

there have been a lot of corgi things for sale.

Of course, Mom has been doing searches on the Internet,

so today we thought we'd share just a few of the cool things she found.

by Eastwitching on Etsy

This is available as a watercolor print from Eastwitching on Etsy. Mom really likes this and thinks this corgi must be a girl because of her big brown eyes and sweet face. What do I think? RAARRRR! (I'm just sayin'!)

by Cake Doggy

Mom saw this cake when she read an article at The Daily Mail online. (Here's the story link.) She said she'd have a hard time cutting into it, and eating it would be "out of the question!". Heck. I'd eat it! (But I don't think she'd let me.)

by Clare Brownlow

This is another of Mom's favorite watercolor corgis. It was painted by British artist, Clare Brownlow. Don't you think every corgi should be able to wear a crown? I sure do!

Jubilee Marmite Label

Even a British company that makes Marmite (Mom doesn't like it) got into the act. This was their Jubilee label. Mom says the label says it all..."One either loves it or one hates it". Mom said, "Yuk!"

at TheLobsterPot on Etsy

This is my personal favorite. It's from TheLobsterPot on etsy. I think it's perfect, but it's just a little backward. If you love corgis, we'll help you keep calm...and make you laugh...and 

snuggle on your shoes when we're tired. Mom said this picture is an "awwwwww" moment. I think I was just tired from all this travel and Jubilee excitement. I'm gonna rest up now. I'll see you again next week, ok? 'til then...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"